Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in a dramatic quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium, but the scoreline only tells part of the story.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were pushed to the limit by a disciplined Swiss team that frustrated the reigning champions for long periods before Julián Alvarez’s moment of brilliance and Lautaro Martínez’s late strike sealed the victory.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the perfect start when he headed home Lionel Messi’s corner after just 10 minutes. However, Switzerland refused to be overawed and gradually wrestled control away from the South Americans.
Dan Ndoye deservedly levelled midway through the second half, setting up a tense finish before Breel Embolo’s dismissal shifted the momentum back in Argentina’s favour.
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Argentina Player Ratings vs Switzerland
With the match heading towards penalties, Alvarez produced one of the goals of the tournament in the 112th minute, curling a stunning effort beyond Gregor Kobel before Lautaro Martínez wrapped up the win in stoppage time.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Lionel Messi once again proved decisive for Argentina. The captain earned an impressive 8/10 rating after creating numerous chances throughout the match and delivering the corner that led to the opening goal.
Although Switzerland limited his influence for spells, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remained Argentina’s biggest creative threat, coming close to scoring himself before Alvarez struck moments later.
Mac Allister was equally outstanding and also received an 8/10. The Liverpool midfielder opened the scoring with a superb header and produced another energetic display in midfield, contributing at both ends of the pitch while constantly linking defence with attack.
Match-winner Julián Alvarez also earned an 8/10. While the Atletico Madrid striker struggled to make a significant impact for much of the contest, he once again delivered when Argentina needed him most, producing a spectacular winning goal that sent the holders into the last four.
At the heart of Argentina’s defence, Cristian Romero was among the team’s best performers with an 8/10 rating. The centre-back dominated aerial duels, made several crucial interventions and helped keep Switzerland at bay for long stretches before being substituted in extra time after an immense shift.
Nahuel Molina impressed on the right flank and collected a 7/10 despite missing a promising opportunity in the second half.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was rated 6/10, making several important saves but perhaps feeling he could have done better when Ndoye found the equaliser.
Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes each received 6/10 after mixed performances, while Rodrigo De Paul endured a difficult evening and was handed a 5/10.
Enzo Fernández struggled to influence proceedings in midfield and received Argentina’s lowest rating of 4/10 before being replaced at the start of extra time.
Substitutes also made a telling impact. Lautaro Martínez came off the bench to score Argentina’s third goal, while José Manuel López provided the assist for Alvarez’s stunning winner.
Although Argentina were far from their fluent best, the individual brilliance of Messi, Mac Allister, Romero and Alvarez ultimately made the difference.
Their performances ensured the defending champions survived one of their toughest tests of the tournament and kept their dream of retaining the FIFA World Cup alive.
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